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Sheriff asks commission to approve policy for disposition of abandoned property; county approves with minor edits
Summary
The sheriff requested that the commission adopt a policy (referenced as adding ‘title 40’) to notify owners and auction unclaimed property after six months; the commission approved the measure contingent on minor edits.
The Covington County Commission approved Jan. 15 a proposed policy change for the sheriff’s office to formalize disposition of abandoned or recovered property.
The sheriff explained the request, saying the policy would add a “title 40” provision to the sheriff’s office rules so the county can notify owners of recovered property, hold items for six months and, if unclaimed, sell them at auction. The sheriff said the policy would cover items ranging from handheld equipment to vehicles and firearms and that the office will keep records to support future inquiries.
Commissioners asked about the retention period and scope. The sheriff and other staff confirmed a six‑month retention period for unclaimed items. A commissioner noted minor recommended language changes; staff agreed to incorporate those edits before forwarding the resolution to Montgomery for processing. A motion to adopt the resolution contingent on the agreed edits carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the agreed revisions, forward the final resolution to the state office in Montgomery, and implement procedures to retain records and conduct auctions for unclaimed property.
